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How the U.S. Almost Betrayed Britain

Alexander Haig wanted Reagan to side with the Argentines over the Falklands, newly released papers show

By

John O'Sullivan

Updated April 2, 2012 2:56 p.m. ET

Thirty years ago this Monday, Argentine marines invaded the Falkland Islands, captured its British defenders and declared the islands to be Argentine territory: Las Malvinas. Britain dispatched a naval "task force" to regain them less than a week later. The Falklands War had begun.

According to newly released documents from the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., the U.S. almost took sides against its most important...

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U.S. Nearly Betrayed U.K. Over Falkland Islands

Thirty years ago the U.K. went to war against Argentina over the Falkland Islands but according to newly released documents from the Reagan Library, the U.S. almost took sides against the U.K. WSJ's Cassell Bryan-Low reports on the anniversary. Photo: AP